Blanchard Island Recreation Area
Open for the 2026 season from May 15 through October 15. All sites are first-come, first-served using the Scan & Pay system via the Recreation.gov mobile app. Credit card only; cash not accepted. No refunds for early departure.
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 3:05AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued an Areawide Air Pollution Action Day for today for portions of Illinois. This is in addition to the ongoing Areawide Air Pollution Action Day issued yesterday for the same areas. An Areawide Air Pollution Action Day is declared when weather conditions are such that widespread ozone and or particulate levels are forecast to be at OR ABOVE the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) category in all or nearly all Illinois AQI forecast sectors. Areas both inside and outside of the Action Day coverage area are likely to see smoke/PM2.5 to a varying degree and duration today and Monday with smoke likely decreasing from southwest to northeast through the day Monday. Those with air quality concerns or anyone in Illinois with outdoor plans are encouraged to check current NowCast readings or sign up for EnviroFlash alerts on AirNow. gov. Before going outside, checking the NowCast AQI will help identify periods of both poor and cleaner air quality regardless of the level of the daily 24-hour AQI forecast. AQI Category Guidance Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) - Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. Sensitive groups: Make outdoor activities shorter and less intense. Its OK to be active outdoors, but take more breaks. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. People with asthma: Follow your asthma action plan and keep quick relief medicine handy. People with heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider. Unhealthy - Sensitive groups: Avoid long or intense outdoor activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors. Everyone else: Reduce long or intense activities. Take more breaks during outdoor activities. Air quality forecasts and current air quality can be found at www.airnow.gov Media Contact... Illinois EPA
Air Quality Alert issued July 19 at 12:13PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued an Areawide Air Pollution Action Day for Monday July 20th for portions of Illinois. This is in addition to the ongoing Areawide Air Pollution Action Day in effect today July 19th for the same areas. An Areawide Air Pollution Action Day is declared when weather conditions are such that widespread ozone and or particulate levels are forecast to be at OR ABOVE the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) category in all or nearly all Illinois AQI forecast sectors. Areas both inside and outside of the Action Day coverage area are likely to see smoke/PM2.5 to a varying degree and duration today and Monday with smoke likely decreasing from southwest to northeast through the day Monday. Those with air quality concerns or anyone in Illinois with outdoor plans are encouraged to check current NowCast readings or sign up for EnviroFlash alerts on AirNow. gov. Before going outside, checking the NowCast AQI will help identify periods of both poor and cleaner air quality regardless of the level of the daily 24-hour AQI forecast. AQI Category Guidance Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) - Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. Sensitive groups: Make outdoor activities shorter and less intense. Its OK to be active outdoors, but take more breaks. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. People with asthma: Follow your asthma action plan and keep quick relief medicine handy. People with heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider. Unhealthy - Sensitive groups: Avoid long or intense outdoor activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors. Everyone else: Reduce long or intense activities. Take more breaks during outdoor activities. Air quality forecasts and current air quality can be found at www.airnow.gov Media Contact... Illinois EPA
About
Blanchard Island Recreation Area offers a secluded camping experience along Blanchard Chute on the Mississippi River backwaters. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island District, this 15-site campground provides a tranquil escape with excellent opportunities for catfish fishing, deer hunting in season, and wildlife observation including bald eagles, pileated woodpeckers, deer, muskrats, and otters. The campground features concrete vault toilets, potable water hydrants distributed throughout the park, and a dump station. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring. A boat ramp provides river access for anglers seeking the best catfish holes. Sites are standard nonelectric with a maximum occupancy of 6 campers and 2 vehicles per site. Reaching the campground requires navigating approximately 2.5 miles of gravel road and crossing over a levee. While the journey adds to the backcountry feel, campers should come prepared with bug spray. The peaceful setting and natural views of the river and bottomlands make it well worth the drive.
Directions
From Muscatine, IA, cross the Muscatine Bridge into Illinois. Drive approximately 2 miles on Highway 92, then turn right onto 322nd St. W for about 4.5 miles. Turn right onto 176th St. W (gravel road) and follow it approximately 2.5 miles to the levee. Cross over the levee to enter the park. Address: 34000 176th Ave. W., New Boston, IL 61272.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $14 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| mvrodmn16@usace.army.mil | |
| Phone | +1 (563) 263-7913 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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